The UK has made a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050. In real terms, what that means is that we, as a country, will not produce more carbon emissions than we absorb. It’s a bold goal, essential for the well-being of the planet, and achieving it means everyone has to do their part.
For homeowners, that means making sure we’re net zero in our homes – and we should all start thinking about that now. 2050 may feel like a long way away, but in reality, it’ll come around quicker than we think. Plus, there’s nothing bad about getting there early!
While everyone likes to talk about the headline-making technological advancements – things like heat pumps and whole-house ventilation – the smaller, passive stuff is just as important. Getting the right window coverings in place can make a huge difference. Here, we explore the impact of quality blinds and shutters when considering net zero energy goals.
Windows – The Bane of Home Energy Efficiency
A house with no doors or windows would be amazingly energy efficient! A brick box with some decent heating would be really easy to keep at a constant temperature.
Outside of bad 1980s TV science fiction, though, no one wants to live in a windowless environment – and a doorless one comes with its own set of obvious problems!
The truth is, even high-performance glazing will let some warmth escape in the winter, and let in a little too much heat during a hot summer. What’s needed is a well-designed, controllable layer of insulation that helps maintain a constant indoor temperature and reduces the usage of central heating and air conditioning.
Of course, we’re talking about blinds and shutters.
Why not curtains? – A quick aside
It can seem that at the Scottish Shutter Company, we have a bias against curtains, acting as if these traditional window coverings are somehow ‘bad’. Honestly, we don’t think that, in the right environment, curtains can be stunning.
The problem is, curtains are poor insulators. They’re not made to fit the space properly, with gaps all around, and they’re useless as soon as the window shape or configuration is anything other than a standard, rectangular, vertical pane.
If you love the way curtains look and feel, that’s great – we do too – but when it comes to considering net zero, they need to be paired with something that’s doing the actual work.
Which leads us back to blinds and shutters…
Blinds and Shutters for Net Zero Efficiency
Customised, professionally installed blinds and shutters are superior forms of window insulation. They come in a range of materials that are far better at heat management than glass, and form a protective layer which utilises the sciences of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to greatly improve air flow and heat loss.
In short – blinds and shutters keep the heat in when it’s cold outside, and keep the room cool when the summer sun is blazing. They really are the best in both circumstances.
Light and Heat Management
Both blinds and shutters provide more than just a ‘wall’ of insulation – some are also adjustable. This means you’re not just blocking out the light and heat, you’re managing it.
In winter, opening the blinds or shutters lets the sunlight come in to naturally warm the room (by far, the most energy efficient way of heating a building!). In the summer, closing them shades the room and prevents overheating, avoiding the need of fans or air con.
Shutters are particularly good for daylight management, with louvres that can be tilted to let daylight in without glare, reducing the need for artificial lighting and also protecting your furnishings from UV damage. Winter glare, a problem for anyone trying to work on a computer, can also be prevented with shutter control.
The balance of light where you want it, and shade where you don’t, is one of the key benefits of quality shutters, elevating your home to true efficiency and reducing both electrical lighting and heating use.
Engaging with Smart Technology
Optimising your shutters and blinds is now easily done through the use of modern smart home technology. Automated blinds and shutters can be linked to temperature sensors, weather forecasts, or even integrated with your heating system for house-wide efficiency.
This leads to superior home comforts. Imagine blinds that lower automatically on a blazing August afternoon to prevent your living room from becoming a sauna; or shutters that close gently as the sun sets, timing their action to match the changing hour of dusk.
As you invest more in net zero upgrades with solar panels, heat-pump heating and smartphone home controls, adding automated shading is a logical addition. Together, an integrated and well-managed smart home system will ensure that the energy gains you make are not wasted as they leak through uninsulated glass.
Sustainability in Shutter and Blind Materials
Meeting net zero targets is not just about home energy efficiency, but also about choosing the right materials. At the Scottish Shutter Company, we provide blinds and shutters that are made through responsible and sustainable construction.
- Responsibly sourced timber
- Low-impact and recycled plastics and aluminium
- Bespoke, durable construction to maximise longevity
- Sustainable supply chain and delivery to minimise environmental impact
Considering every part of your shutters, from their creation through to their installation, promotes the environmental responsibility that’s essential to be truly net zero.
Bringing Your Home Up-To-Date and Beyond with SSC
Making gradual improvements in your home is the key to meeting the UK’s net zero goals in an affordable and measured way. At the Scottish Shutter Company, we have the expertise you need to cover your windows with shutters or blinds designed with sustainability in mind. We’re not suggesting you immediately refurbish your home, replacing ageing curtains or old, inefficient window coverings with a new solution – but when you’re looking to spruce up your house, do it with net zero in mind. We’ll be here to offer guidance, support and the professional installation you need.
Why not contact us today if you’re on the path to a sustainable smart home, and make beautiful blinds or shutters your next step? Or download our brochure today and see how the right window covering can enhance your property.
